Steely Dan - Pretzel Logic
Release Date - 1974
JVC Japan (Import)


Countdown to Ecstasy wasn't half the hit that Can't Buy a Thrill was, and Steely Dan responded by trimming the lengthy 
instrumental jams that were scattered across Countdown and concentrating on concise songs for Pretzel Logic. While the 
shorter songs usually indicate a tendency toward pop conventions, that's not the case with Pretzel Logic. Instead of relying 
on easy hooks, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen assembled their most complex and cynical set of songs to date. Dense with 
harmonics, countermelodies, and bop phrasing, Pretzel Logic is vibrant with unpredictable musical juxtapositions and snide, 
but very funny, wordplay. Listen to how the album's hit single, "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," opens with a syncopated 
piano line that evolves into a graceful pop melody, or how the title track winds from a blues to a jazzy chorus -- Becker 
and Fagen's craft has become seamless while remaining idiosyncratic and thrillingly accessible. Since the songs are now 
paramount, it makes sense that Pretzel Logic is less of a band-oriented album than Countdown to Ecstasy, yet it is the 
richest album in their catalog, one where the backhanded Dylan tribute "Barrytown" can sit comfortably next to the gorgeous 
"Any Major Dude Will Tell You." Steely Dan made more accomplished albums than Pretzel Logic, but they never made a better 
one.

This is one of 2 or 3 Steely Dan Japanese imports (manufactured by JVC) that I own. Due to tighter quality control and 
better manufacturing processes, I feel they sound as good if not better than the Remasters that were released in 2000. I've 
done a side by side comparison with a lossless copy of the remaster, and I prefer this import. Anyways, that's my two cents 
worth....you may think differently.

Tracklist

01 - Rikki Don't Lose That Number 	Becker, Fagen 		4:30
02 - Night By Night 			Becker, Fagen 		3:36
03 - Any Major Dude Will Tell You 	Becker, Fagen 		3:05
04 - Barrytown 				Becker, Fagen 		3:17
05 - East St. Louis Toodle-Oo 		Ellington, Miley 	2:45
06 - Parker's Band 			Becker, Fagen 		2:36
07 - Through With Buzz 			Becker, Fagen 		1:30
08 - Pretzel Logic 			Becker, Fagen 		4:28
09 - With a Gun 			Becker, Fagen 		2:15
10 - Charlie Freak 			Becker, Fagen 		2:41
11 - Monkey in Your Soul		Becker, Fagen 		2:31

This is without a doubt my favorite Steely Dan album...I hope you all enjoy it as much as I have. Ripped according to 
Pedro's Rules of the Road.

Unfortunately, I don't own a scanner, so no artwork is included.